Scorchers go back-to-back at Hockey League in Perth

The Queensland Scorchers going through their warm up in the lead up to AHL

The Queensland Scorchers became the ‘best in the west’ after an exciting gold medal decider in Perth for the 2016 Australian Hockey League (AHL) on Sunday.

The Queenslanders put together a near perfect campaign stumbling only against WA in their second pool match. They got on with the job and closed out the 2016 season in the final match coming from behind at half time to defeat the VIC Vipers to claim back-to-back titles.

Not long after half time Savannah Fitzpatrick provided an equaliser from a penalty corner to bring the score to 1-1, followed by a cracking goal by AHL debutant Rebecca Greiner to give the Scorchers the lead.

At the 60th minute Jodie Kenny used her drag-flick skill to net a third goal from another penalty corner and push further ahead of the Vipers. The VIC team weren’t about to give up though, having one last dig with seconds to go, securing their second goal of the game. It wasn’t enough to deny the Scorchers, eventual winners 3-2, but definitely an action packed ending to the match.

Congratulations to all of the players and particularly to Audrey Smith named Keeper of the Tournament and Jordyn Holzberger named Player of the Final.

QAS Women’s Hockey Coach Des King said; “Going back to back has been great for Queensland and to win 3 of the last 4 AHL titles, is outstanding.

Congratulations must go to the amazing athletes we have representing QLD who work hard in preparation for tournaments, stay united regardless of challenges, enjoy investing in a great culture and know how to win together.

The support from the QAS has played a key role in what has been achieved.

Each of the QAS service team members has had a positive impact on athlete and team development over many years and I would like to publicly thank David Watts, Trish King, Brendon Zhou, Ben Currie, Liz Hepple, Tracey Veivers, Lauren James, Rylie King, Matt Smith, Angie Lambert and Steve Lambert.

We recognise and value the passion that they all bring to their area of expertise within the Hockey programs.”